Spiddal, (An Spidéal), County Galway, is a picturesque seaside village on the shores of Galway Bay, and part of An Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area). Spiddal is one of the largest Irish speaking settlements in the Galway Gaeltacht and is the setting for the TG4 soap Ros na Rún. Read on for more…
An Gaeltacht is an area where Irish is spoken as the everyday language.
Spiddal is approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Galway city. The locals speak both Irish and English here and during the summer months Spiddal is a lively spot with an influx of teenagers doing 3-week Irish anguage courses. All signposts in the village are in Irish.
With the rugged beauty of Connemara only a stone’s throw away, Spiddal is an ideal base for your holiday in Galway. You have a good choice of eateries in the village and a selection of pubs where most weekends you can catch a “live trad” night.
What to do in Spiddal…
Although the summer season is well and truly over a trip to the beach is always a good suggestion. Whether it’s just for a bracing walk along the seashore or for the kids to collect seashells for arts and crafts, you just can’t beat that clean refreshing sea air. Spiddal is lucky in the fact that it has two beaches, one is situated behind the pier and is suitable for fishing, the other is Trá na mBan, which has the much-coveted Blue Flag status.
Being in the midst of such stunning country side it would be a shame not to take some good long walks and head towards Connemara. Horse riding, cycling and a game of golf are also other suggestions for leisure activities.
Spiddal Craft Centre…
The Spiddal Craft Centre puts a different slant on the purchase of souvenirs. Here you can actually watch your “keep-sake” being made by skilled craftsmen. The centre comprises of several workshops, which make candles, pottery, Celtic jewellery, weaving and bodhráns. Refreshments can also be had from the on-site restaurant.
Find out more about Spiddal Craft Centre.
Need Spiddal accommodation, alternatively have a look at our Galway Ireland hotels page.
